2026 Oscar Nomination Predictions: Kate Hudson’s Late Surge Shakes the 98th Academy Awards

The final countdown to Hollywood's biggest night has begun. On January 21, 2026, Entertainment Weekly (EW)'s editorial team sat down for their final 2026 Oscar nomination predictions. While some categories have clear frontrunners, the race for the 98th Academy Awards is proving that it's never too late for a dark horse to emerge and steal the spotlight.

2026 Oscar Nomination Predictions: Locking in the Leading Men

Consistency is the theme for the male acting categories. Industry veterans and rising stars alike have solidified their positions. Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio are widely considered locks for Best Actor, while the Supporting Actor category sees a strong consensus around Stellan Skarsgård and Jacob Elordi.

• 1: Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme) - Predicted consensus 80% of #1 votes.
• 2: Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another) - Strong institutional support.
• 3: Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent) - Golden Globe Drama winner.

The Lead Actress Duel: Hudson vs. Infiniti

The real drama lies in the final slot for Best Actress. While Jessie Buckley is the woman to beat, the battle for the fifth spot has pivoted. Initially, Cynthia Erivo seemed like a sure thing for 'Wicked: For Good', but the momentum shifted toward Kate Hudson in 'Song Sung Blue'.

According to EW's Joyce Eng, Kate Hudson occupies a specific "middlebrow biopic" lane that resonates with a significant portion of the Academy's voting demographic. This late-season surge has put her ahead of Chase Infiniti, despite Infiniti's presence in the year's most buzzed-about ensemble.